Four B2s fitted with Keipe traction equipment

[brian_...@westnet.com.au]

From https://www.linkedin.com/company/yarratrams/posts/

 

B2 Class trams have been the workhorses of Melbourne’s network since the mid-1980s. But as time passes, sourcing original parts like the traction system that powers them has become increasingly challenging.

Yarra Trams, in partnership with local supplier TTM Rail and international technology partner KIEPE, has developed a modern traction system to extend the service life of the B2 fleet. After months of rigorous testing, the new technology is now in passenger trials on up to four trams, which will be progressively introduced into service until the end of the year.

For passengers, the experience is deliberately seamless - the ride feels just like any other B2. Behind the scenes, though, the upgrade is delivering big improvements: operating more efficiently, powerfully and reliably, while proving it can handle everything Melbourne’s network throws at it.

The extremely complex traction system upgrade project has been a labour of love for many of Yarra Trams’ dedicated engineers, rolling stock maintainers, and drivers. Congratulations and thanks to the teams at Yarra Trams, the Department of Transport and Planning, TTM and Kiepe!

 

 

 

There are photos of one of the trams being tested. It is B2 2057.

 

Brian Weedon

 

Virus-free.www.avg.com

[Matthew Geier]

Well the B2s are not going anywhere soon then. You wouldn't spent that kind of money unless you plan to get at least another 15 years or more out of them.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "TramsDownUnder" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to tramsdownunde...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/tramsdownunder/001801dc33ad%24d0cae970%247260bc50%24%40westnet.com.au.

[TP]

Usually that sort of life-prolongation work is not done at that age unless a low floor section is included. Shows how much they care about accessibility.

Tony P

[Mal Rowe]

The decision about life extension was made 8 years ago when it was decided to do life extension refurbishment of the B class.

That is complete. 

The current issue is the lack of availability of key electrical / electronic components in the traction control units.

The Kiepe people have seemingly solved that.  I think they may have done the upgrades for the Lisbon heritage tram fleet.

The Bs will probably be gone in five years or so - perhaps later- but they need to be operational for that time.

Mal Rowe 

[Alan Cooper]

Is there any visible (audible?) means of identifying which cars have been overhauled in this way?

[Mal Rowe]

If you mean the general refurb then it is complete on all  B class.

A couple of obvious markers are the LED headlights and the absence of steps in the panel benihind the driver cab on the o=ffs ide (except for the notch at roofline. See attached pic.

If you mean the TCU upgrade I don't know but would not expect anything visible or audible to the public.

Mal Rowe - not sad if the Bs last a bit longer.

--

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "TramsDownUnder" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to tramsdownunde...@googlegroups.com.

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/tramsdownunder/c9c287cc-86d8-4e15-95ae-238dc80de12an%40googlegroups.com.

[Alan Cooper]

Thanks Mal.  I meant the TCU upgrade.

I noticed that the last few modified B2s had something done to the doors, also:  they closed more slowly, accompanied by a beeping sound.  B2.2065 was one of them.

[Andrew Highriser]

The slowest tram system in the world has been made ever slower by these slow closing doors. The door closing time can make the difference between catching a set of lights or not. Fortunately the roll out of these door modifications to B Class trams stopped. 

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/tramsdownunder/27a28f1e-86bf-4e76-b122-d5a96ad8abe3n%40googlegroups.com.